Beautiful and functional yard walls.

Interlocking Retaining Wall Blocks

Last edited on August 6, 2011

Retaining wall blocks are often designed to interlock, which offers for no-mortar-needed construction. These blocks are designed to fit together almost as simply as a child’s building blocks. Depending on the style and size of the retaining wall blocks you are using, the weight can vary and may affect the height of your retaining wall.

But, regardless of the size, interlocking retaining wall blocks are basically designed with the easy-to-do idea in mind. Interlocking retaining wall blocks are constructed to taper from the front to the rear to allow the forming of curves to be easier, as well.

Interlocking Block Wall

So, how do they interlock? Interlocking retaining wall blocks that form interlocking block walls have a lip on the front or rear side of the block that interlocks with the block beneath it. Once the area behind the wall is filled, the dirt or soil pushes the blocks forward causing them to strengthen between the lips.

Because the blocks in an interlocking block wall do not require mortar, they should be primarily used for lower walls due to stability and strength. However, if you should decide to build a taller wall using interlocking retaining wall blocks, you must first consider the drainage that will be coming through the area, as well as the reinforcement you will use.

In order to keep the soil or dirt behind the wall from leaking through the interlocking blocks, it is best to line the cavity with absorbent landscaping fabric.